Badaber Uprising

Quick Facts: Who was Badaber Uprising?

Subject:

Badaber Uprising

Known for:

Armed rebellion by Soviet and Afghan prisoners of war at Badaber fortress in 1985.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Badaber uprising (26–27 April 1985, Badaber, Pakistan) was an armed rebellion by Soviet and Afghan prisoners of war who were being held at the Badaber fortress near Peshawar, Pakistan. The prisoners fought the Afghan Mujahideen of the Jamiat-e Islami party (who were supported by the Pakistani XI Corps and American CIA advisors) in an attempt to escape. The Badaber fortress, 24 km south of Peshawar, was a military training centre of the Afghan Mujahideen who opposed Soviet presence in Afghanistan. The Mujahideen were trained by military instructors from the United States (Operation Cyclone) and Pakistan. The fortress was controlled by the Tajik-dominated Jamiat-e Islami party.

Career & Major Achievements

Burhanuddin Rabbani was the party leader and self-declared president of Afghanistan. The military commander of the fortress was Ahmad Shah Massoud. In 1983 and 1984, Soviet and Democratic Republic of Afghanistan (DRA) prisoners were brought to the fortress from holding cells (zindans). The prisoners were forced to perform hard labour, for example, quarrying and loading ordnance. In 1985, 12 Soviet (shuravi) and 40 Afghan prisoners were held at the Badaber fortress.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On 26 April 1985, at about 6 pm, only two of seventy Mujahideen guards were on duty. The others were gathered at the drill square for evening prayers (namaz). In an uprising, prisoners entered the fortress armory, took weapons and ammunition, and tried to escape. Some may have tried to capture the fortress' radio center to report their location. However, the head guard, Haist Gol, raised the alarm and prevented the escape of the prisoners.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1983: 1983 Milestone — In 1983 and 1984, Soviet and Democratic Republic of Afghanistan (DRA) prisoners were brought to the fortress from holding cells (zindans).
2. 1985: 1985 Milestone — The Badaber uprising (26–27 April 1985, Badaber, Pakistan) was an armed rebellion by Soviet and Afghan prisoners of war who were being held at the Badaber fortress near Peshawar, Pakistan.

Notable Quotes by Badaber Uprising

“Do not capture shuravi soldiers in the future, but annihilate them at the taking place.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Badaber Uprising

True or False: “The Badaber uprising was primarily an effort by Soviet forces to secure a permanent withdrawal route from Afghanistan.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The rebellion was initiated by the prisoners in an attempt to escape their captivity and seize control of the fortress.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdus Sattar (president) — Historical peer (Died in 1985) (1985): Bangladeshi statesman who served as President of Bangladesh (1981-1982).
• Aiko Kayō — Historical peer (Born in 1985) (1985): Japanese singer and actress known for her work on the Avex Trax label.
• Ahmed Rushdi — Historical peer (Died in 1983) (1983): A legendary Pakistani playback singer, known as the 'Magician of Voice'.
• Alan Moorehead — Historical peer (Died in 1983) (1983): Australian war correspondent and author of popular histories, famed for Nile explorations.
• AB de Villiers — Historical peer (Born in 1984) (1984): Iconic South African cricketer, celebrated for his all-around batting genius.
• Adriene Mishler — Historical peer (Born in 1984) (1984): American yoga instructor, actress, and YouTube entrepreneur.

Frequently Asked Questions about Badaber Uprising